Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
Self-guided Short Breaks - Rural Retreats
Rural Retreats short breaks visit some of the best-loved scenery in Britain and our magnificent National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty make a great active outdoor destination in any season of the year.
Our Rural Retreats short breaks are based in attractive villages or small towns right in the heart of the countryside, where walkers are always welcomed into the pub, Post Office and village shop.
Retreat to one of eleven rural destinations for three nights of comfort in a quality country house hotel or character inn. Follow our carefully researched walking routes to explore glorious landscapes before settling down for an evening of great food.
Walk this way to choose your Rural Retreat...
The Scottish Borders
A beautiful salmon river and fantastic views from the dramatic Eildon Hills - superb walking in Scottish border country
The Northern Lake District
The serene waters of Derwentwater, flanked by graceful mountains - walking on the shores of the 'Queen of the Lakes'
The Central Lake District
Glacial valleys and sweeping views - scenery to savour in one of National Geographic's top ten 'must-see' destinations in the world.
Yorkshire's Northern Dales
Pastures, haymeadows, stone walls and waterfalls - enjoy the iconic landscape of 'Herriot Country'
Yorkshire's Limestone Dales
Limestone 'pavements', sparkling rivers and dramatic views of Yorkshire's Three Peaks - walking in northern England's Karst Country
Derbyshire Dales
Limestone architecture and pastoral riverside scenery - glorious scenery in the Dove and Manifold valleys.
The Cotswolds
'Chocolate box' stone-built villages, green valleys, riverside paths and airy escarpments - a walk through the very heart of England
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean
A magnificent river and ancient woodlands where England and Wales meet - peaceful walking on the banks of William Wordsworth's 'Sylvan Wye'.
The South Downs
Rolling downland ridges, wide views and towering chalk seacliffs - explore England's newely designated National Park
Exmoor
Colourful moorland, oak-shaded river valleys, thatched villages, and a dramatic coastline - walking through ‘Lorna Doone country’
Dartmoor
Sweeping moorland topped by dramatic granite outcrops - southern England’s last true wilderness
The Quantock Hills
Airy ridges, sea views, ancient woodlands, idyllic villages - marvellous walking in West Somerset
Can't spend three nights away?
For any of our Rural Retreats destinations, if you prefer a shorter break with two nights of accommodation and two walk, i.e., departing for home after the second walk, please contact us and we will be happy to quote a price.